Projected to serve as a top reserve at the left guard position behind returning starter Jordan Davis during his first year on East Carolina's active roster ... Had an "untraditional" redshirt season available after transferring from junior college and coaching staff elected to use it because of adequate existing depth on the front line and the opportunity for added physical development ... Recorded a bench press of 345 pounds, a back squat of 485 and a power clean of 286 during spring testing in the strength and conditioning program ... Maturity and added year of exposure to the Pirates' offensive scheme should allow for a good transition into a more consistent playing role ... Could also experience action as a blocker on various special teams units.

2012: Redshirted during his initial season in the ECU program after inking with the Pirates during the traditional signing day period.

Junior College: Helped the Rustlers to a 7-4 record during final campaign and a Central Championship Bowl victory with a 51-36 triumph over Long Beach City ... Golden West posted a 3-1 Southern California Central East Conference mark as a sophomore and won its last four contests ... A key member of an offensive line that allowed the unit to average 29.4 points per game in 2011 ... Offense averaged 128.2 rushing yards a contest and 227.7 aerial yards per tilt ... Helped the offense score 30 or more points in six of 11 games ... During freshman year, team posted a 6-4 record and won its final three games ... Squad went 3-2 in league tilts to place third ... Part of a squad that averaged 24.1 points as well as 226.2 passing yards and 101.9 rushing yards per game ... In conference contests, averages were upped to 28.8 points and 258.4 passing yards a contest ... Paved the way for 14 total rushing touchdowns ... Played for head coach Nick Mitchell.

High School: A key contributor to a Valencia program that gained a playoff berth and compiled an 8-3 record as a senior ... Squad went 4-1 in Empire League play in 2008 to claim second place ... Named to the All-Empire League Second Team Offense following final campaign ... A member of a line that helped the offense to 30 or more points in five games ... As a junior, guided the Tigers to an 8-3-1 mark and a 3-1 record in the Empire League, good for a second-place tie ... Team captured a pair of playoff victories, topping Savanna 58-28 and Irvine 38-14, before falling to Cypress 28-21 in the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section semifinals ... Squad earned a share of the Empire League championship during sophomore year ... Earned three letters for head coach Mike Marrujo ... Also played baseball for the Tigers as a first baseman.

Personal: Full name is Keifer Earl Neal ... Born March 19, 1991 at Fullerton, Calif ... A communication major who earned inclusion on ECU's Honor Roll during both semesters (2012 fall, 2013 spring) since enrolling.